Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Porto 2015
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Portugal / Douro Valley Porto
Single-quinta, or single-vineyard, vintage Porto is produced only in exceptional years in which a general vintage is not declared. Quinta de Vargellas, celebrated as one of the top 100 vineyards in the world, has been part of the Taylor Fladgate estate for more than a century. It has the highest percentage of old vines of any quinta in the Douro, with 60% over 75 years old. All grapes undergo the traditional foot treading method, ensuring their fullest expression. Fermentation is halted by the addition of grape spirit before all the residual sugar has been fermented, creating a sweet, fortified wine. Following two years in wood, the wines are bottled unfiltered and will continue maturing for decades.
Harvest Note
The winter preceding the 2015 harvest was unusually dry but there was fortunately enough precipitation in October and November to ensure the vines were adequately supplied with water. The dry conditions continued into spring, resulting in below average yields and ensuring that the crop remained completely free of disease. The early summer was very hot, with temperatures above 100°F being recorded on several days at Quinta de Vargellas in late June and early July. As a result, the condition of the crop will be remembered by the Vargellas wine makers as one of the best of recent years, with perfectly formed bunches and very little raisin in spite of the dry year. Picking started at Quinta de Vargellas relatively early on September 7th. Cool temperatures at night allowed for long fermentations and good extraction.
Tasting Note
Deep ruby-black core with a narrow purple-red rim. A classic Vargellas nose, fine, elegant and poised with a linear surge of pure singing, woodland infused with a plummy freshness and hints of citrus and fresh quince. A subtle spiciness, with hints of nutmeg, anise and cacao, emerges from behind the fruit. The tell-tale Vargellas floral scent is more reminiscent of jasmine than the signature aura of violets and mingles with the minty, resiny notes of wild herbs. A discreet minerality provides an attractively firm edge. Typically of Vargellas, the palate is supported by taut, sinewy tannins and the grippy finish delivers a burst of clean, fresh berry fruit flavor. A very fine single-quinta Vintage Port, confident and in perfect balance.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca
APPELLATION: Douro
PH: 3.70
ACIDITY: 4.36 g/l
ABV: 20%
AGING: Two years in large oak vats
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 99 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- Taylor Fladgate vintage Porto is one of the most collectible, ageworthy Portos available.
- A single-quinta vintage Porto from one of the most revered vineyards in the world: Quinta de Vargellas
“We focus on making vintage quality from all of ourgrapes. As a result, we will produce the highest-qualityPort in every category.”
Adrian Bridge, CEO
About the Grape
Tinta Amarela
Tinta Amarela makes wines with intensely perfumed aromas of blackberry and tea, bold structure, deep color and excellent depth.
Tinta Barroca
Used to make Port wines, this high yielding grape has very high sugar content, which makes wines with pronounced floral character, good structure and firm, ripe tannins.
Tinta Cão
This grape has blackberry, game and meaty aromas, and contributes longevity and exceptional elegance to the blend of Port wines.
Tinta Roriz
Tinta Roriz produces deep-colored grapes of moderate acidity which make bold wines with firm tannins, excellent complexity and distinctive resin-like fragrance.
Touriga Franca
This grape has high tannins and is very aromatic; it lends structure and balance to Port wines. It shows intense fresh red fruit, earth and flower aromas, and is very fruity on the palate.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional produces wine with finesse, body and warmth that is dark, concentrated, massively tannic and aromatic. It ages to show the complex aromas typically found in mature vintage port.
